Autism consists of a spectrum of disorders that cause significant developmental problems. While symptoms differ, all forms of the disorder feature problems with communication, social skills and repetitive behaviors. Onset of the disorder usually comes before the age of three. According to 2010 information from MayoClinic.com, the number of children diagnosed with autism appears to be rising. Whether this is due to better diagnostic methods or an actual higher prevalence of autism remains unknown.
Triad of Impairments
Autism symptoms present as an interplay of different deficit areas. Children with autism may appear very different from each other in regards to the severity of problems and specific symptoms, according to authors Wicks-Nelson and Israel in "Behavior Disorders of Childhood." Overall, though, children with autism present with a triad of impairments in communication, social and behavioral domains.
Social Interaction
By nature, infants are social beings. Children with autism often fail to understand the complexities of normal human social interaction. The American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" identifies symptoms associated with social interaction deficits: The child may demonstrate significant impairment in use of nonverbal behaviors, such as a failure to maintain regular eye contact or use appropriate facial expressions. Individuals with autism often have problems maintaining friendships with children their own age. Problems with relationships may arise from a lack of seeking interaction with others and disengaging from acts of affection such as hugs or other physical comfort. Some, if not many of the problems with social interaction, stem from an autistic child's difficulty in learning the concept of empathy--how others may feel or think, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Communication
Israel and Wicks-Nelson write that problems with comprehension and production of spoken language may be present in a child with autism, as well. The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that some individuals with autism remain mute throughout life. Those who do speak, according to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," may show problems initiating or maintaining conversations with others. Deficits in play may also be absent, with a lack of imagination or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level.
Repetitive Behaviors
Children with autism often display odd, repetitive and atypical motor movements, according to Israel and Wicks-Nelson. Behaviors may include walking on toes, rocking, and the flapping of arms or fingers. The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that these behaviors may appear very subtle or be severe and highly visible. Children with autism may remain very focused on order, spending much time lining up toys or other objects. A disruption to this order or to daily routine may profoundly upset the child. In some children, the repetitive behavior takes the form of an intense interest in objects or subjects, such as cars or a television show.
Associated Characteristics
Israel and Wicks-Nelson write that other symptoms occur in children with autism. Children may demonstrate an over- or under-sensitivity to what occurs around them. The child may show sensitivity to noises or may fail to respond to communication at all. Many children with autism have problems with intellectual functioning. Specifically, intelligence tests often indicate deficits in abstract and conceptual thinking. The National Institute of Mental Health states that one in four children with autism develop seizures, which often begins in early childhood. Factors that may affect seizures in children with autism are sleep problems and fever.
References
- "Behavior Disorders of Childhood, Fifth Edition" Rita Wicks-Nelson, Ph.D. and Allen C. Israel, Ph.D.; 2003
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- MayoClinic.com: Autism
- National Institute of Mental Health: What Are the Autism Spectrum Disorders?
